Things started fast and ended strong for the New York Jets tonight as they handed the Giants their second loss of the preseason. Although they hit a rough stretch after their first offensive series, back-up quarterback Kellen Clemens (6 of 8 for 122 yards and a rushing touchdown) was able to revive the team in the second half and eventually lead them to victory.
While Jets fans can be thankful for Clemens, they have to be questioning their faith in Chad Pennington after his second straight poor performance. Although he had one nice completion (79 yards) to Leon Washington on the first play of the game, it was all down hill from there. Over the next seven series, the Jets managed a total of zero yards. To Pennington's credit, the Giants first team defense was absolutely dominating the line of scrimmage and their blitzes were well disguised.
Another plus for the Jets would be the performance of undrafted rookie free agent Danny Ware, who managed 57 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Although he was playing against defensive substitutes, he showed great field awareness and some rather impressive and crisp cuts.
For the Giants, it was all about missed opportunities. Although their first team offense was very impressive, they were unable to put points on the board. Outside of one touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Anthony Mix, who both had fantastic nights, New York was unable to convert in the red zone. Compacting that problem were three missed field goals, two by Lawrence Tynes and one by Josh Huston, which would have given them the victory.
And it wouldn't be a Giants football game without an injury or two. Linebacker Kawika Mitchell (groin), defensive back Gerrick McPhearson (unknown), cornerback E.J. Underwood (jaw) and wide receiver Sinorice Moss (unknown) all suffered injuries tonight.
On the plus side, Manning looked brilliant once again. He ended the night going 17 of 25 for 146 yards and a touchdown; three of those incompletions were drops. As was the case last week, he showed a significant improvement in his pocket presence and the ability to stay cool under pressure.
Speaking of pressure, the Giants first team offensive line rarely allowed any of that. It was the first time this preseason that they seemed solid; including David Diehl who had been struggling with his move to tackle.
But, perhaps the most encouraging thing for the Giants and their fans was the defense. They were able to put pressure on the Jets quarterback, the defensive tackles were stopping the run and the first team secondary looked great in coverage -- outside of the Jets first play from scrimmage, of course.
Other Jets Observations:
- Darrelle Revis looked great in his first live NFL action.
- They will really benefit from the power running style of Thomas Jones -- it was clearly lacking tonight.
Other Giants Observations:
- David Tyree was sparking on special teams tonight and it may have been just enough to earn him a roster spot over Anthony Mix who, as I noted, had a very good night himself.
- Justin Tuck is looking better and better each week. If Michael Strahan doesn't return, he willbe a more than capable replacement.
- Kudos to J.R. Reed on an amazing one-handed interception.
- And once again, the back-up running backs performed very well.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-26-2007 @ 2:29PM
fanfor55years said...
I keep beating the same drum but after watching some of this game my thoughts haven't changed much. First, while the jury is still out on Eli I think he's headed toward being an elite NFL quarterback and a strong team leader. Second, I need a lot more evidence regarding Jacobs before I'll agree that he's the solution at running back for the next few years. I still think the next great running back for the Giants is currently in college. Third, Tuck is going to be a very good player and the Giants should focus their drafts and free-agent searches on defensive backs and linebackers because the defensive line is pretty strong (if Strahan wants to play this season I still think they should see if they could get a draft pick from a contender and trade him away). Fourth, while Diehl will be fine as left tackle, the team should still seek an elite player at that position and allow Diehl to return to guard or right tackle, at which point the offensive line would be extremely good. Fifth, Steve Smith was the steal of the draft and will be a terrific NFL player right away. He gets separation and he catches the ball. And I'd think seriously about keeping Mix and dumping Moss. He does very little when he has the chance and he's clearly injury-prone. A waste of a roster spot. Lastly, there's very little depth except at running back, and the team will need to keep looking to boost the quality of the guys lower on the depth charts. This team can't survive injuries, and injuries tend to happen. Still, I like the Giants' chances in 2008 and thereafter if they have another good draft.
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8-27-2007 @ 12:46AM
john said...
I have disagreed with fan of 55 yrs, but after reading his comments, I have to say he ...(or she)...has hit the nail right on the head. I even agree on Moss! let him go. I like him as a receiver, but he gets hurt all the time. One thing that I didn't see and must mention is the lack of talent and depth at Def back and watch for Bradshaw at running back. We might not have to wait for college. Steve Smith is going to be incredible!!Strahan will be back by Tuesday.
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8-27-2007 @ 10:23AM
frank said...
ok Giants fans i'll give ya this one . the score didnt show a win but your FGkickers lost the game .btw, tynes was cut by Sea. for the same reason .O-line did a great job ! D-fense looks good . LBrs are back in blue . yea Mix looked good too . on the other sideline tho, Kellen Clemens is an INT. away from a starting spot .this kid has all the tools. i dont know what mangiunouis is thinkin but , hes' not showcasing anything special yet.Revis looked good , but hope he has the same Thrust when it comes to a good STICK . penningtons pissin me off w those over-the-middle throws that get wideouts creamed . the balls' gotta be in the gut ! even w/o good holes Leon W. ran good . LBr #52 was around the ball all day , but not seeing the 3-4 work yet .my biggest problem w/ coaching is , how much control does the HC have during the course of play . i mean do the coor.s have all the say on every down ? or is the man in charge , IN CHARGE ? there has to be major communication breakdowns during crunchtime . think about it ,on each play there are 3 guys in charge , the HC, the COOR. , and the captain on the feild . ya got 40 sec. to adjust to the next play . 3 different veiws have to be channelled into 11 men . these days there are too many distractions . HOLDOUTS, GUYS BOLTING FOR $$$,CHANGING OF THE GUARDS (COACHES&PLAYBOOKS),INJURYS,and the SUPERSTARS crying to get the ball for the next NIKE commercial . to think , the QB used to call all the plays .1 man , 1 play . a good set of eyes goes a long way .
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8-27-2007 @ 10:50AM
fanfor55years said...
John, thanks for the affirmation. I'm a he and have been following the team closely since their days in Yankee Stadium. I wholeheartedly agree that the defensive backfield is the weak link. I was an advocate of focus on those positions in the 2007 draft, and think it should be a focus (along with left tackle, linebacker, and running back) in the 2008 draft. I think the safeties are serviceable at this point, although I'd still like an upgrade and more depth. I think the team needs two more cornerbacks and one of them really needs to be a shutdown guy. Ross may prove to be a good player but they need at least three excellent corners and the jury is very much out on Webster (whom I think has immense potential based on his college career and size). I think it's safe to say that Spagnuola's defense is going to be built in part around safeties who are ferocious hitters and excellent athletes (a la the Eagles), corners who can successfully play tight man coverage way more often than zones, and a front seven that applies pressure on the QB. The Giants may not yet have the corners and safeties who fit that scheme but Wilson, Butler, Webster and Ross may be pieces of the puzzle. More will have to be found in the next draft. I think Reese had a great first draft so assume he will have another one in 2008 so should acquire a few more blue-chippers to complete the picture. Watch out for the Giants in 2009 and thereafter. This looks like it will become a very good team.
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